St. Bonaventure 68 - 73 Massachusetts
Final
  for this game

No. 19 UMass wins another close one

Jan 12, 2014 - 6:04 AM Amherst, MA (SportsNetwork.com) - Chaz Williams had only one made field goal, but he forced a late turnover after sinking two critical free throws to help 19th-ranked Massachusetts rally past St. Bonaventure, 73-68.

Raphiael Putney finished with 17 points, eight rebounds and four assists for the Minutemen (14-1, 2-0 A-10), who erased a 13-point deficit in the second half and closed the game on a 9-0 run. Cady Lalanne scored 16 points and Williams, who was 1-of-7 shooting, dished out nine assists.

"I feel pretty confident with what he does on the floor. It gives us one more shooter," said UMass coach Derek Kellogg said of Williams.

Charlon Kloof had 15 points and seven assists for St. Bonaventure (11-5, 1-1), which had its winning streak snapped at four games.

"We did a lot of the things we wanted to do. We shot the ball well, but we turned it over. If you turn it over in the open court that is going to hurt you," said Bonnies coach Mark Schmidt.

The Bonnies, bidding for their first win over a ranked opponent since 2000, led 60-47 after Chris Dees' basket with just under 10 minutes remaining. UMass fought back, but St. Bonaventure's advantage was four at 68-64 after Youssou Ndoye made 1-of-2 free throws with 2:13 left.

Trey Davis then sandwiched a Bonnies turnover with a layup and a 3-pointer to put the Minutemen ahead.

After another St. Bonaventure giveaway, Williams was fouled by Ndoye on a drive in the lane. He converted both free throws with 10.1 seconds to go before stealing the inbounds pass.

Putney was sent to the foul line and his two free throws sealed the Minutemen's fourth straight victory.

St. Bonaventure's defense was strong in the first half. The Minutemen were down 32-25 at the break after shooting 30.4 percent and committing 13 turnovers.

Game Notes

The Bonnies lost their 23rd consecutive game to a ranked team ... Sampson Carter had 11 points for UMass, which shot 57.1 percent in the second half ... Ndoye compiled 11 points and five blocks.






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